India Faces Tough Decisions for Second Test Against Australia: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill Return

India is facing a major dilemma regarding their playing XI for the second Test against Australia, set to begin on December 5 in Adelaide. After an extraordinary, record-breaking victory in Perth, the Indian management must now make key changes as captain Rohit Sharma and opener Shubman Gill are set to return to the squad.

Rohit missed the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 due to the birth of his second child, while Shubman Gill was sidelined after suffering a left thumb fracture during a training simulation. With both players back to full fitness, the Indian team faces a selection headache.

In Perth, KL Rahul opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Devdutt Padikkal was brought in late to play at No. 3. Dhruv Jurel was also given a chance at No. 6, while Nitish Reddy and Yash Thakur made their Test debuts. Despite these multiple changes, India dominated the hosts to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

However, with Rohit returning to the squad and Gill recovering from his injury, the Indian management has some tough decisions ahead. Rahul, who scored 26 and 77 runs in Perth, is expected to lose his opening spot to Rohit, while Gill, who has struggled for consistency at No. 3, could be moved lower down the order or face a fitness test.

The rest of the playing XI is unlikely to undergo significant changes after a strong all-round performance in the first Test. Although Jurel struggled with the bat in Perth, the team management is likely to give the young talent another opportunity.

India’s Likely Playing XI for 2nd Test vs Australia: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Thakur, Mohammed Siraj.

The Indian team will be hoping to build on their success in Perth as they aim to extend their lead in the series.